U.S. patent application number 13/395605 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for system and method for differentiating containers in medication delivery.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey W. Valk, Timothy W. Valk.
Application Number | 20120179132 13/395605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43826627 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120179132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valk; Jeffrey W. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIFFERENTIATING CONTAINERS IN MEDICATION
DELIVERY
Abstract
The present invention relates to a fluid delivery system that
comprises a fluid container having a chamber structured to hold a
fluid therein and a delivery device operable to control delivery of
a fluid from the chamber of the fluid container. The fluid
container includes a geometric mating member extending from an
outer surface thereof. The delivery device includes a geometric
mating receptacle structured to mate with at least a portion of the
geometric mating member of the fluid container to verify
compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device.
Alternatively or additionally, the fluid container may include a
first data fixture component and the delivery device may include a
second data fixture component that cooperates with the first data
fixture component of the fluid container to verify compatibility of
the fluid container with the delivery device.
Inventors: |
Valk; Jeffrey W.; (Dallas,
TX) ; Valk; Timothy W.; (Boynton Beach, FL) |
Family ID: |
43826627 |
Appl. No.: |
13/395605 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
September 29, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US10/50741 |
371 Date: |
March 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61246813 |
Sep 29, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/500 ; 29/428;
604/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/3592 20130101;
G16H 20/17 20180101; A61M 2205/6027 20130101; A61M 2205/6072
20130101; A61M 2205/6018 20130101; A61M 5/1452 20130101; A61M
5/5086 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A61M 5/2053 20130101; A61M
2205/3569 20130101; A61M 2205/50 20130101; A61M 5/1723 20130101;
A61M 2205/6045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/500 ;
604/151; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/142 20060101
A61M005/142; B23P 17/04 20060101 B23P017/04 |
Claims
1. A fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid container having a
chamber structured to hold a fluid therein, the fluid container
including a geometric mating member extending from an outer surface
thereof; and a delivery device operable to control delivery of a
fluid from the chamber of the fluid container, the delivery device
including a geometric mating receptacle structured to mate with at
least a portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid
container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the
delivery device.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the geometric mating member is
detachable from the fluid container.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the geometric mating member and
fluid container are formed as separate components that are
permanently coupled to one another.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the geometric mating member is
formed integral with the fluid container.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the geometric mating member
defines an outer perimeter surface, and wherein the geometric
mating receptacle is structured to mate with a portion of the outer
perimeter surface.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the geometric mating receptacle
mates with and surrounds the entire outer perimeter surface of the
geometric mating member.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein an outer perimeter surface of the
geometric mating member defines a polygonal shape.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein an outer perimeter surface of the
geometric mating member defines at least one curved portion.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid container is a syringe
and wherein the geometric mating member extends radially outward
from a barrel of the syringe.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the delivery device is a syringe
pump.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the geometric mating member
extends around the entire circumference of the fluid container.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more pairs of
secondary mating fixtures associated with the geometric mating
member and the geometric mating receptacle structured to further
verify compatibility when the geometric mating member of the fluid
container is mated with the geometric mating receptacle of the
delivery device.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the one or more pairs of
secondary mating fixtures comprise geometrical protrusions and
counterpart apertures that are structured to receive the
protrusions upon alignment of the geometric mating member of the
fluid container with the geometric mating receptacle of the
delivery device.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the one or more pairs of
secondary mating fixtures comprise electrical contacts that
complete an electrical circuit upon alignment of the geometric
mating member of the fluid container with the geometric mating
receptacle of the delivery device.
15. A fluid delivery system having compatibility verification
features comprising: a fluid container including a geometric mating
member; a delivery device operable to control delivery of a fluid
from the fluid container, the delivery device including a delivery
channel having a geometric mating receptacle structured to mate
with the geometric mating member of the fluid container to verify
compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device; and
a pair of secondary mating fixtures including a first mating
fixture associated with the fluid container and a second mating
fixture associated with the delivery device; wherein the first and
second mating fixtures are structured to align with one another to
further verify compatibility when the geometric mating member of
the fluid container is mated with the geometric mating receptacle
of the delivery device.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the fluid container is a
syringe.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the delivery device is a syringe
pump.
18. A method for coupling a fluid container to a delivery device
comprising: providing a fluid container having a chamber structured
to hold a fluid therein, the fluid container including a geometric
mating member extending from an outer surface thereof; providing a
delivery device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the
chamber of the fluid container, the delivery device including a
geometric mating receptacle; and verifying compatibility between
the fluid container and the delivery device by mating at least a
portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid container with
the geometric mating receptacle of the delivery device.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of verifying
compatibility further comprises installing the fluid container
within a delivery channel of the delivery device.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein an outer perimeter surface of
the geometric mating member defines a polygonal shape.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the fluid container is a
syringe.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the delivery device is a syringe
pump.
23. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of aligning
a first mating fixture associated with the fluid container with a
second mating fixture associated with the delivery device to
further verify compatibility between the fluid container and the
delivery device.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first mating fixture
communicates information related to the fluid container to the
second mating fixture.
25. A fluid delivery system comprising: a fluid container having a
chamber structured to hold a fluid therein, the fluid container
including a first data fixture component associated therewith; and
a delivery device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the
chamber of the fluid container, the delivery device including a
second data fixture component associated therewith that cooperates
with the first data fixture component of the fluid container to
verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery
device.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein the first data fixture component
contains information that may be communicated to the second data
fixture component.
27. The system of claim 26 wherein the second data fixture
component is a reader device.
28. The system of claim 27 wherein the first data fixture component
communicates the information as a binary signal.
29. The system of claim 27 wherein the first data fixture component
communicates the information as an analog signal.
30. The system of claim 26, further comprising a controller
operably coupled to the second data fixture for receiving the
communicated information.
31. The system of claim 26 wherein the communicated information
relates to a fluid contained within the fluid container.
32. The system of claim 26 wherein the first data fixture component
is structured to physically contact the second data fixture
component to communicate the information.
33. The system of claim 26 wherein the first data fixture component
comprises a barcode and the second data fixture component comprises
a barcode reader.
34. The system of claim 26 wherein the first and second data
fixture components comprise electrical contacts.
35. The system of claim 26 wherein the first and second data
fixture components comprise optical contacts.
36. The system of claim 26 wherein the first data fixture component
is a radio frequency identification tag and the second data fixture
component is a radio frequency identification interrogator.
37. The system of claim 26 wherein the first data fixture component
is a memory device and the second data fixture component is a
memory reader.
38. The system of claim 37 wherein the memory device is an EEPROM
memory device.
39. The system of claim 25, further comprising a geometric mating
member extending from an outer surface of the fluid container and a
geometric mating receptacle coupled to the delivery device, the
geometric mating receptacle structured to mate with at least a
portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid container to
verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery
device.
40. The system of claim 25 wherein the fluid container is a
syringe.
41. The system of claim 40 wherein the delivery device is a syringe
pump.
42. A method for coupling a fluid container to a delivery device
comprising: providing a fluid container having a chamber structured
to hold a fluid therein, the fluid container including a first data
fixture component associated therewith; providing a delivery device
operable to control delivery of a fluid from the chamber of the
fluid container, the delivery device including a second data
fixture component associated therewith; and verifying compatibility
between the fluid container and the delivery device by
communicating information related to the fluid container from the
first data fixture component to the second data fixture
component.
43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of
displaying a message regarding the compatibility between the fluid
container and the delivery device.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the message indicates that the
fluid container is not compatible with the delivery device.
45. The method of claim 43 wherein the message indicates that the
fluid container is compatible with the delivery device.
46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of
operating the delivery device to dispense fluid from the fluid
container.
47. The method of claim 42 wherein the first data fixture component
communicates the information as a binary signal.
48. The method of claim 42 wherein the first data fixture component
communicates the information as an analog signal.
49. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of relaying
the communicated information to a controller for verifying
compatibility between the fluid container and the delivery
device.
50. The method of claim 42 wherein the fluid container includes a
geometric mating member extending from an outer surface thereof and
the delivery device includes a geometric mating receptacle coupled
thereto.
51. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of mating
at least a portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid
container with the geometric mating receptacle of the delivery
device.
52. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of
detecting a physical characteristic of the fluid container with a
geometry sensor.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the physical characteristic
comprises the dimensions of the fluid container.
54. The method of claim 42 wherein the fluid container is a
syringe.
55. The method of claim 54 wherein the delivery device is a syringe
pump.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for
differentiating syringes and other containers for dispensing
medication that protects against delivery of incorrect medication
and ensures compatibility of the dispensed medication with the
delivery apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Healthcare providers are often faced with treating patients
for one type of physiological condition while monitoring at least
one of a host of physiological parameters. It is often necessary to
deliver various medications to patients in order to control these
physiological parameters. Monitoring and controlling multiple
physiological parameters for a plurality of patients requires a
great deal of time and resources from healthcare providers. With
ever increasing shortages in healthcare staff, workloads have been
shown to be directly proportional to an increase in the occurrence
of errors in medication delivery. Errors in medication delivery
occur more frequently than commonly known and many of the errors
are life threatening. In addition, these errors often go
undiscovered and/or unreported.
[0003] Numerous physiological conditions are monitored in hospital
care settings, including glycemic state, blood clotting, and the
overall physiological stability of the patient. Typically, however,
healthcare providers will measure only one physiological parameter,
such as glucose level, prothrombin time, blood flow, hemoglobin
level, heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen concentration,
or other cardiac output to treat the specific physiological
condition under examination. Based on this measurement or a series
of these measurements, the provider delivers medication to the
patient in order to stabilize the physiological parameter and thus
treat the physiological condition.
[0004] The control of glucose levels in seriously ill patients has
proven to be a significant problem. Hyperglycemia is a frequent
consequence of severe illness, occurring in both diabetic and
non-diabetic patients, due to altered metabolic and hormonal
systems, impaired gastrointestinal motility, altered cardiac
function, increased catecholamine production, altered hepatic
gluconeogenesis, relative insulin resistance, and increased
corticosteroid levels. Symptoms associated with elevated levels of
blood glucose include dehydration, weakness, greater risk of poor
healing and infection, frequent urination, and thirst. Infusion of
insulin has proven an effective method for treating hyperglycemia.
However, insulin infusion without proper glucose level monitoring
can lead to problems with hypoglycemia.
[0005] Visually distinguishing one medication from another can be
difficult in many circumstances. Syringes and other containers have
standardized sizes, and various liquid medications may look
identical. Printed labels frequently become the only mechanism for
determining that the medication installed in a pump or other
delivery device is that intended. If a label is misread, health
consequences to the patient can be severe.
[0006] The potential for error is compounded when a treatment
application allows or requires delivery of multiple substances. The
attending healthcare provider must then handle multiple potentially
conflicting medications simultaneously, identifying and installing
them without error. When this process is repeated frequently and
for numerous patients, this burden of perfection becomes
daunting.
[0007] One particularly sensitive application involves
counterbalancing treatment. Such applications use opposing
biologics in parallel to reinforce the body's innate "push-pull"
mechanisms, raising or lowering certain biological levels as
needed. Examples of this include regulation of serum glucose using
insulin and glucose as mentioned above, vasodialation using a
vasoconstrictor and vasodialator, and clotting using a coagulant
and anticoagulant. Were opposing biologics to be reversed, such
treatment could act to exacerbate imbalances in proportion to their
magnitude, rather than correct them. This effect may be difficult
to detect at small imbalance levels and escalate to a runaway
effect, placing the patient in significant danger.
[0008] In addition to the considerable health hazards, errant
medications can also be incompatible with delivery apparatuses. For
example, a pump must exert a certain force on a fluid to displace
an intended volume. A fluid with viscosity beyond expectation or
pump tolerances could be dispensed in incorrect amounts and
possibly damage the pump mechanism.
[0009] Thus, there exists a need for a physical system and method
that acts to ensure that the medication container installed is that
which is expected for the particular treatment application.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention addresses the foregoing problems by
providing a fluid delivery system including a fluid container
having a chamber structured to hold a fluid therein and a delivery
device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the chamber of
the fluid container. The fluid container includes a geometric
mating member extending from an outer surface thereof. The delivery
device includes a geometric mating receptacle structured to mate
with at least a portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid
container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the
delivery device.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a fluid delivery system is provided that includes a fluid container
having a chamber structured to hold a fluid therein and a delivery
device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the chamber of
the fluid container. The fluid container includes a first data
fixture component associated therewith. The delivery device
includes a second data fixture component associated therewith that
cooperates with the first data fixture component of the fluid
container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the
delivery device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary system
for providing balanced, automated regulation of a physiological
condition in a patient that utilizes the syringe differentiation
system and method in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating one
exemplary syringe that may incorporate a geometric differentiating
means in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the syringe of FIG. 2
operably coupled to one exemplary infusion pump.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams illustrating the mating
relationship between a geometric mating member and a corresponding
geometric mating receptacle in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the mating
relationship between the geometric mating member of FIGS. 4A-4C and
an exemplary alternative mating receptacle.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the mating
relationship between the geometric mating member of FIGS. 4A-4C and
another exemplary alternative mating receptacle.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7I are diagrams illustrating exemplary
differentiating geometries that may be used in accordance with the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various differentiating
geometries incorporated into a two-channel delivery
environment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating various differentiating
geometries incorporated into a three-channel delivery
environment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a syringe that
incorporates both a geometric mating member and secondary mating
fixtures for further verification of syringe compatibility.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the use of active data
fixtures for further verification of syringe compatibility.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps in one
exemplary medication container differentiation procedure in
accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary delivery
apparatus that is operable to differentiate/identify a syringe
based solely upon information provided by geometry sensors and/or
data fixtures.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a condensed, version of the flow diagram of FIG.
12 illustrating several exemplary steps in the medication container
differentiation procedure.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components
of a controller that may be used for processing information
collected during the medication container differentiation
procedure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Generally speaking, the present invention is a system and
method for differentiating syringes and other containers for
dispensing medication that protects against delivery of incorrect
medication and verifies compatibility of the dispensed medication
with the delivery apparatus. As will be discussed in further detail
to follow, the present invention applies to differentiation of
infusion syringes and other medication containers by use of
independent syringe geometries and counterpart receptacles on the
syringe mounts or medication delivery devices. Alternatively or
additionally, the present invention applies to differentiation of
medication containers by use of data fixtures associated with the
medication container and delivery device. One specific embodiment
of the present invention applies to differentiation of medication
containers in a multi-channel delivery environment.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary system
10 for providing balanced, automated regulation of a physiological
condition in a patient that utilizes the syringe differentiation
system and method of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG.
1, the system 10 generally includes a physiological monitor 12, an
electronic controller unit 14, and a delivery apparatus 16
including a single delivery channel or multiple delivery channels.
Particularly, the delivery apparatus may include one or more
delivery manifolds, pumps, or other suitable dispensing devices. In
a multiple channel environment, the delivery apparatus may be
configured with multiple single channel devices, one or more
multiple channel devices, or a combination of single and multiple
channel devices. The controller 14 may be separate from or
integrated into the delivery apparatus 16.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery apparatus 16
includes two pumps, a first pump 18A and a second pump 18B for
delivering medications to a patient 20. In an alternate embodiment,
the delivery apparatus 16 may include one or more additional pumps,
such as a third pump 18C, for delivery of one or more additional
medications to the patient 20. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the delivery apparatus 16 may include any
number of pumps for the delivery of any number of medications. In
the foregoing embodiments, the use of multiple pumps may allow for
the concurrent monitoring and control of several physiological
parameters and conditions.
[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pumps 18A,
18B, and 18C may be selected from a wide variety of infusion pumps
commonly used in the medical industry including continuous and/or
intermittent pumps, the selection of which will vary depending on
criteria such as desired flow rates and/or delivery of large or
small volumes. Infusion pumps can administer fluids in ways that
would be impracticably expensive or unreliable if performed
manually by healthcare providers. For example, the pumps can
administer injections as little as 0.1 mL per hour (too small for a
drip), injections every minute, injections with repeated boluses,
up to a maximum number per hour, or fluids whose volumes vary by
the time of day.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the pumps 18A, 18B, and 18C are
each structured to receive a syringe containing a medication for
delivery to the patient 20. In this embodiment, the pumps are
provided with a signal related to the desired volume of each
medication to be delivered from the syringe to the patient. The
pumps 18A, 18B, and 18C may be run with constant or variable speed
drives for controlling the volume of medication delivered to the
patient and the rate at which the medication is delivered. Data
related to the delivery volume and rate may be stored by the
controller 14. Thus, the delivery apparatus 16 is operable to
provide controlled delivery of a first medication with the first
pump 18A, a second medication with the second pump 18B, and a third
medication with the third pump 18C as determined by the controller
14. The controller 14 may accept input from a single device or a
range of devices which provides data point information about a
primary physiological condition and, optionally, data point
information about additional physiological conditions. The
controller 14 may further be provided with adaptive logic for
gradual, optimized, stabilization of one or more physiological
conditions of the patient.
[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system 10
may be structured as a stationary system used in intensive care
units or emergency rooms in hospitals; a portable unit for use by
emergency medical technicians such as in ambulances, at the scene
of accidents, or when responding to other emergency situations; or
a portable unit for use in the day-to-day care of ambulatory and
non-hospitalized individuals. Thus, the "user" of the system may be
a healthcare provider or the patient himself. Those skilled in the
art will also appreciate that the system 10 may alternately include
a miniature chip as the controller 14, wherein the chip can be
operably connected to a means for encapsulating the medications
being administered such that the encapsulated medications can be
implanted in the patient's body and released on-demand based on an
output signal from the controller.
[0033] Although the delivery apparatus 16 of system 10 has been
described as delivering medication from syringes, the delivery
apparatus 16 may be operable to deliver medication from any type of
medication storage container. Thus, syringes are described merely
for purposes of example and not limitation.
[0034] The system 10 is also described as including a physiological
monitor 12 operably coupled to the controller 14 merely for
purposes of example and not limitation. In various other
embodiments, delivery of the medication may be performed under the
direction of the attending healthcare provider and independent of
an integrated physiological monitor.
[0035] As previously discussed, errors in medication delivery place
the patient at risk of serious injury or death, and the potential
for error is compounded when a treatment application allows or
requires delivery of multiple medications. This is especially true
when the attending healthcare provider must simultaneously
identify, handle, and install multiple potentially conflicting
medications, such as during a "counterbalancing" treatment. In
addition to the considerable health hazards, errant medications can
also be incompatible with a particular delivery apparatus. Thus, in
order to address the foregoing risks, the storage container and
delivery apparatus may include a differentiation means that
protects against the delivery of incorrect medication and preserves
compatibility of the dispensed medication with the delivery
apparatus. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the
differentiation means may be adapted for use with any type of
medication storage container without departing from the intended
scope of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary
syringe 30 that may incorporate a differentiation means in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the
syringe 30 generally includes a cylindrical barrel 32 having a
larger first end 34 with an outwardly extending flange 36 and a
smaller second end 38 with a suitable connector 40, such as a luer
connector, for engagement with the delivery apparatus. The flange
36 typically, but not necessarily, extends substantially
perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical barrel. The
barrel 32 defines an internal chamber for storing a fluid
medication.
[0037] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
syringe 30 may be used either manually by a healthcare provider or
in an automated delivery apparatus. In manual use of the syringe
30, the barrel 32 may be held between the first two fingers of the
healthcare provider's hand with the outwardly extending flange 36
preventing the syringe from sliding between those two fingers. In
automated use, the syringe 30 may be operably coupled to a suitable
delivery device as will be illustrated in further detail in FIG.
3.
[0038] A plunger rod 42 is attached at its forward end to a
suitable plunger member 44 that is sized and structured to prevent
any leakage of medication through the first end 36 of the barrel
32. A circular rim 45 extends from the opposite end of the plunger
rod 42 and provides a surface for exerting an actuation force on
the plunger 44 to dispense the medication contained within the
barrel 32. A suitable sealing element 46, such as a rubber stopper,
may be disposed within the barrel 32 adjacent to the second end 38
to prevent unintentional leakage through the connector 40. In one
exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 46 is pierced with a
needle upon insertion of the syringe 30 into the delivery
device.
[0039] The syringe 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2A as a conventional
design employing a cylindrical barrel and a plunger merely for
purposes of example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
numerous other designs for medication containers that deliver
medication when subjected to positive pressure are also possible.
One example of such an alternative container design is a flexible
container, such as a flexible bag or bulb, which is pressurized in
use by a cooperating pump to drive medication from the
container.
[0040] With further reference to FIG. 2A, a differentiation means
in the form of a geometric mating member 48 extends outwardly from
at least a portion of the barrel 32. The geometric mating member 48
allows for the identification of the syringe 30 to protect against
delivery of incorrect medication and ensure compatibility of the
dispensed medication with the delivery device. Additional details
of this differentiation means will be provided below.
[0041] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
geometric mating member 48 may be a separate component that is
permanently coupled to the barrel 32 of the syringe 30 or other
medication container. Coupling of the mating member 48 to the
barrel 32 may be accomplished using any suitable means including,
but not limited to, heat welding, an adhesive, or the like.
Alternatively, the geometric mating member 48 may be manufactured
as integral with the barrel 32 rather than modifying a "standard"
syringe with the geometric member. When formed integral with the
barrel 32, the internal geometry of the chamber may remain the same
(e.g. cylindrical), thus manufacturing only the outer portion of
the barrel differently, or may take on the geometry of the mating
member.
[0042] In yet another embodiment, adaptation of the syringe or
other medication container may be temporary such that the geometric
mating member 48 is removable from the syringe barrel 32 as
illustrated in FIG. 2B. In this embodiment, the geometric mating
member 48 may be removably coupled to the syringe 30 in any
suitable manner including, but not limited to, a compression fit, a
non-permanent adhesive, or the like. One advantage of providing a
geometric differentiating member that is removable from the
container is the ability to reuse the geometric differentiating
member on another medication container in the future.
[0043] While FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the geometric differentiating
member as applied to the barrel of a syringe, the geometric
differentiating member may be applied to any suitable portion of a
container, with a counterpart receptacle being applied in kind to
the counterpart component on a delivery apparatus as will be
discussed in further detail to follow. Examples may include
positioning geometric differentiating members on the plunger or
needle hub of a syringe. Additionally, numerous geometric
differentiating members may be applied to a single syringe or
container, thereby providing redundancy for further safety and
compatibility assurance.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the syringe 30 of FIGS. 2A
and 2B operably coupled to one exemplary delivery apparatus 16
including a pump 18 for dispensing medication from the syringe 30
based upon measurements input from a physiological monitor 12. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the pump 18 includes the controller 14
described above with reference to FIG. 1 incorporated therein.
However, it should be understood that the controller 14 may
alternatively be provided as a separate component that is operably
coupled to the delivery apparatus 16.
[0045] The delivery apparatus 16 will be described with reference
to a single channel pump that is operable to deliver medication
from a single syringe for purposes of simplicity. However, it will
be obvious to those skilled in the art that the teachings of the
present invention may be extended to systems having more than one
delivery channel or pump.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the controller 14 includes control
means 50 including a microprocessor within the body of the syringe
pump 18 and an associated keyboard 52 and display 54. Various other
switches, indicators, input devices, and the like may be provided
on the body of the syringe pump 18 as will be apparent to those
skilled in the art and which are not shown here in detail.
[0047] The pump 18 includes a delivery channel 56 extending along a
side surface thereof that is structured to receive the syringe 30.
Particularly, the delivery channel 56 includes a pump motor 58, a
pump slide 60, a stop member 62, and a geometric mating receptacle
64. As generally illustrated in FIG. 3, the geometric mating
receptacle 64 is structured to mate with a compatible geometric
mating member, such as the geometric mating member 48, in order to
protect against delivery of incorrect medication and ensure
compatibility of the dispensed medication with the syringe pump 18.
When the geometric mating member 48 is properly mated with the
mating receptacle 64, the outwardly extending flange 36 abuts the
stop member 62 to prevent axial movement of the syringe 30 in the
forward direction. Furthermore, the circular rim 45 extending from
the rearward end of the plunger rod 42 is received by the pump
slide 60. The pump motor 58 is operable to drive the pump slide 60
in the axial direction, which in turn actuates the plunger 44 for
controlled delivery of the medication contained within the barrel
32.
[0048] The pump motor 58, including the pump slide 60 for actuating
the plunger rod 42 and plunger 44, may be operated by the
controller 14 upon verification that the syringe 30 is the correct
syringe containing the proper medication. The controller 14 may
control numerous parameters including, but not limited to, delivery
volume, delivery rate, delivery duration, or the like.
[0049] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
delivery apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 represents only one
exemplary type of delivery apparatus that may be operable with the
syringe differentiation means in accordance with the present
invention and is presented merely for purposes of example and not
limitation. Thus, geometric mating receptacles may be incorporated
into any suitable delivery apparatus without departing from the
intended scope of the present invention.
[0050] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views illustrating the
mating relationship between the geometric mating member 48 of the
syringe 30 and the mating receptacle 64. Particularly, FIG. 4A is a
perspective view that illustrates the geometric member 48 and
corresponding receptacle 64 prior to mating, while FIG. 4B is a
perspective view that illustrates the geometric member 48 and
corresponding receptacle 64 after mating of the components. For
ease of conveying the geometric differentiation aspect of the
present invention, only the portion of the mating receptacle 64
that contains the mating surface 65 is depicted.
[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mating surface 65 of
the mating receptacle 64 is structured to mate with the geometric
mating member 48 on a single "side." Particularly, the mating
surface 65 comprises a first mating groove 66A structured to mate
with a first portion 68A of the geometric mating member 48, a
second mating groove 66B structured to mate with a second portion
68B of the geometric mating member 48, and a third mating groove
66C structured to mate with a third portion 68C of the geometric
mating member 48. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an end view of
the geometric mating member 48 upon mating with the mating surface
65 of the receptacle 64. Although FIG. 4C depicts a gap between the
mating components, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
such mating may bring the components together flush with no gap
between them so that the geometrical "fit" would be more obvious to
the user.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the mating
relationship between the syringe 30 and an exemplary alternative
mating receptacle 64'. The mating receptacle 64' is generally
similar to the mating receptacle 64 previously described and
illustrated with regard to FIGS. 4A-4C, but further comprises a
mating surface 65' that is structured to mate with the geometric
mating member 48 on multiple "sides." Providing a mating receptacle
that requires mating of the geometric mating member 48 on multiple
sides may provide additional assurance that the proper syringe is
being supplied to the delivery apparatus.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an end view of the syringe
30 in mating engagement with another exemplary alternative mating
receptacle 64''. The mating receptacle 64'' is generally similar to
the mating receptacles previously described and illustrated with
regard to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5, but further comprises a mating surface
65'' that is structured to surround the geometric mating member 48
on all "sides." As will be obvious to those skilled in the art,
providing a mating receptacle that requires mating of the geometric
mating member 48 on all sides may provide even further assurance
that the proper syringe is being supplied to the delivery
apparatus.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the geometric
mating member on the medication container and the corresponding
mating receptacle on the delivery apparatus may be designed to come
together in one or more of many ways. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, the geometric mating member may be designed to slide
into its mating receptacle from the top or bottom. In another
exemplary embodiment, the geometric mating member may be designed
for insertion from the side. Thus, the geometric mating member and
corresponding mating receptacle may be designed for engagement in
any suitable manner without departing from the intended scope of
the present invention.
[0055] Now that one exemplary design for a geometric mating member
and corresponding mating receptacle have been described in detail,
numerous exemplary and non-limiting alternative designs will be
described and illustrated. Particularly, FIGS. 7A-7I are diagrams
illustrating exemplary differentiating geometries that may be used
in accordance with the present invention. The circle in the middle
of each diagram represents the outer circumference of the syringe
barrel 32, with the geometric mating member being attached to the
barrel as previously described. The geometric mating receptacles,
which are attachable to a delivery apparatus, are provided to
illustrate the mating relationship between the syringe and the
delivery apparatus.
[0056] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30A having a
first alternative geometric mating member 48A in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A, the geometric mating
member 48A comprises a generally triangular-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65A. The geometric mating member 48A is defined in
part by three substantially identical planar surfaces. Thus, as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the geometric
mating member 48A may be received by the corresponding geometric
mating receptacle 64A in three different orientations.
[0057] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30B having a
second alternative geometric mating member 48B in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7B, the geometric mating
member 48B comprises a generally pentagonal-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65B. The geometric mating member 48B is defined in
part by five substantially identical planar surfaces. Thus, as will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the geometric mating
member 48B may be received by the corresponding geometric mating
receptacle 64B in five different orientations.
[0058] FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30C having a
third alternative geometric mating member 48C in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7C, the geometric mating
member 48C comprises a generally star-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65C. The geometric mating member 48C is defined in
part by ten substantially identical planar surfaces, and may be
received by the corresponding geometric mating receptacle 64C in
five different orientations as will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art.
[0059] FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30D having a
fourth alternative geometric mating member 48D in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7D, the geometric mating
member 48D comprises a generally cross-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65D. The four segments of the geometric mating
member 48D are defined in part by both straight and curved
surfaces, and the geometric mating member 48D may be received by
the corresponding geometric mating receptacle 64D in four different
orientations as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0060] FIG. 7E is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30E having a
fifth alternative geometric mating member 48E in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7E, the geometric mating
member 48E comprises a generally oval-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65E. The geometric mating member 48E is defined in
part by a single continuous curved perimeter surface. The geometric
mating member 48E is symmetrical, and thus may be received by the
corresponding geometric mating receptacle 64E in two different
orientations as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0061] FIG. 7F is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30F having a
sixth alternative geometric mating member 48F in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7F, the geometric mating
member 48F comprises an irregularly-shaped geometrical
differentiation member that is structured for mating with the
mating surface 65F. The geometric mating member 48F is defined by
both planar and curved surfaces, and may be received by the
geometric mating receptacle 64F in only one orientation.
[0062] FIG. 7G is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30G having a
seventh alternative geometric mating member 48G in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7G, the geometric mating
member 48G is different from those previously illustrated in that
the mating member extends from only a portion of the syringe barrel
32. Particularly, the geometric mating member 48G is defined in
part by a single protruding tab member that is receivable by the
corresponding geometric mating receptacle 64G in only one
orientation.
[0063] FIG. 7H is a diagram illustrating a syringe 30H having an
eighth alternative geometric mating member 48H in accordance with
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7H, the geometric mating
member 48H is different from those previously illustrated in that
the mating member includes a recess or cut-out that is structured
to receive a protrusion extending from the geometric mating
receptacle 64H. Thus, the geometric mating receptacle 64H receives
the geometric mating member 48H, which in turn receives a portion
of the geometric mating receptacle 64H. As will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, the geometric mating member 48H may be
received by the geometric mating receptacle 64H in only one
orientation.
[0064] FIG. 7I is a diagram illustrating another alternative
syringe 30I and corresponding geometric mating receptacle 64I in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7I, the
mating geometry of the syringe 30I is defined by the shape of the
syringe barrel 32 itself and not by a protruding geometric mating
member as in the previous embodiments. Thus, as will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art, the geometry of the syringe barrel
alone may serve as the differentiating geometry. Further, a
circular-shaped barrel 32 is illustrated merely for purposes of
example and not limitation, and any geometrically shaped barrel may
be used without departing from the intended scope of the present
invention.
[0065] In view of the foregoing non-limiting exemplary embodiments,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable geometry
that allows for differentiation between various containers may be
used without departing from the intended scope of the present
invention. Thus, the shape of the "differentiation geometry" may be
polygonal or non-polygonal, regular or irregular, planar/straight
or curved, concave or convex, etc., or any combination thereof.
[0066] As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
container differentiation geometries may intentionally be made
compatible with multiple receptacle geometries, providing the
possibility to indicate one-to-many compatibility of treatment
applications. Reciprocally, mating receptacles may be designed to
accept multiple container geometries to indicate that any of a
group of medications is acceptable in a given treatment
application.
[0067] When used in a multi-channel delivery environment, the
employed geometries may be chosen to be most obviously incompatible
in form with one another. For example, a two-channel environment
might use a first geometric mating receptacle 70A with a convex
shape and a second geometric mating receptacle 70B with a concave
shape as illustrated in FIG. 8. A three-channel environment might
use a first geometric mating receptacle 70C with a square shape, a
second geometric mating receptacle 70D with a triangle shape, and a
third geometric mating receptacle 70E with a "+" shape as
illustrated in FIG. 9. Such designs facilitate differentiation by
visual and tactile means as well as via part-counterpart mating on
the delivery apparatus. Obviously, the above geometries are
presented merely for purposes of example and not limitation. Thus,
any suitable differentiating geometry may be used without departing
from the intended scope of the present invention
[0068] In addition to or in lieu of using geometric mating members
and corresponding geometric mating receptacles as described above,
various active or passive fixtures may be used to identify and
differentiate medication containers. Such fixtures may be placed
anywhere on the medication container and delivery apparatus to
provide a further level of verification, and may be designed such
that they line up only if the geometrical counterpart surfaces are
mated properly. As will be described in further detail to follow,
passive embodiments of such fixtures may include smaller
geometrical counterparts such as patterned protrusions and
receptacles. These fixtures may also serve as a tactile means for
"feeling" when the components have been mated properly. Active
embodiments of such fixtures may include electrical contacts that
close a circuit or a reflective surface that allows optical
detection when the components are mated together. Other active
embodiments may utilize mechanical tension, magnetic fields, or
some other measurable physical characteristic.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the syringe 30 (with
geometric mating member 48) and geometric mating receptacle 64
previously described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C that further
includes secondary mating fixtures in the form of geometrical
protrusions 72A, 72B, and 72C designed to be received within
corresponding mating receptacles 74A, 74B, and 74C. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the secondary mating
fixtures provide a second level of container verification.
Particularly, the geometrical protrusions 72A, 72B, and 72C are
receivable within the corresponding receptacles 74A, 74B, and 74C
when the geometric mating member 48 is properly aligned with the
mating receptacle 64. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, any number, shape, and location of secondary mating
fixtures may be used without departing from the intended scope of
the present invention.
[0070] As an alternative to using geometrical protrusions and
receptacles as secondary mating fixtures, the syringe may utilize
various types of active data fixtures as illustrated in FIG. 11.
Particularly, as depicted in FIG. 11, the geometric mating member
48 includes a non-volatile memory chip 80 (such as an EEPROM chip)
and one or more electrical contacts (not shown) that are designed
for alignment with one or more corresponding electrical contacts 82
on the geometric mating receptacle 64 to transmit, communicate, or
provide a signal, or to complete a circuit. Additionally, means for
sensing the geometry or other physical characteristics of the
syringe 30, such as one or more syringe geometry sensors 84, may be
associated with the delivery apparatus. In one exemplary
embodiment, the sensors 84 may be attached directly or indirectly
to the pump motor 58 as depicted in FIG. 11. Further details
regarding the function and operation of the data fixtures and
sensors will be provided below.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps in one
exemplary medication container differentiation procedure 100 in
accordance with the present invention. The differentiation
procedure 100 begins at block 102 with the user attempting to
insert a medication container into a container receptacle
associated with the delivery apparatus. As indicated in block 104,
the container is physically constrained by the geometry of the
receptacle, and must therefore be able to fit within the physical
boundaries imposed by the receptacle. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, the container must be inserted such that all
geometrically differentiated parts on the container mate flush with
their corresponding counterparts on the receptacle.
[0072] The differentiation procedure 100 continues at block 106
where the user determines whether the container is physically
compatible with the receptacle. If the container does not meet the
above criteria for physical insertion, the container is not able to
be placed in the medication delivery apparatus, and the user has
clear visual and tactile indication that the container is not
intended for the current receptacle as indicated by block 108.
However, if the container does meet the required criteria as
indicated by block 110, an optional sensing means for sensing
container presence, geometry, and/or other physical characteristics
of the container may be activated to determine the precise physical
nature of the inserted container as indicated by block 112. Any
suitable sensing means may be employed including, but not limited
to, sensors that verify the presence and position of certain
physical characteristics including more detailed variations in
container geometry and composition (such as the previously
described "passive" fixtures), and/or sensors that identify the
precise shape, dimensions, proportions, conductivity, hardness,
weight, density, chemical composition, or other material or
physical properties of the container. The sensing means may
transmit the information to the controller for further
processing.
[0073] Upon receipt of the information characterizing one or more
properties of the container, the controller determines whether the
container geometry is precisely correct at block 114. If the
controller determines that the container is not of a type
compatible with the current treatment application and/or delivery
apparatus, insertion of the container is "rejected" as indicated by
block 116. Whenever the controller rejects a container, the user
may optionally be notified of the rejection as indicated by block
118, including a summary or detail of the reason for rejection. The
notification may come via one or more suitable notification
mechanisms such as, for example, visual cues including simple
character display, colored or flashing lights, and/or a graphical
user interface; audible cues such as a buzzer, generated audio
sequences, and/or prerecorded sound clips; tactile cues such as
haptic feedback and/or forcible physical ejection of the container;
or any other suitable notification means as appreciated by those
skilled in the art. Alternatively, if the controller determines
that the container is compatible based upon the information
characterizing one or more properties of the container, optional
data fixture components on the container may be analyzed by one or
more reader devices associated with the receptacle (such as by
direct or indirect attachment thereto) as indicated by block 120.
In one exemplary embodiment, the controller queries an EEPROM chip
positioned on the container. However, any suitable data fixture
component may be used without departing form the intended scope of
the present invention.
[0074] Particularly, data fixtures include components that contain,
generate, or otherwise indicate information which may be detected
and received by a reader component, and subsequently relayed to the
controller. The information may be transmitted as digital or analog
signals. For example, the information may be as simple as a binary
signal (e.g. the container is compatible if a certain signal is
present, and incompatible if the signal is not present), or may
implement a complete protocol for exchange of detailed information
with the reader, including identification of the container and its
contents. The data fixtures may be of a type requiring physical
contact between the data fixture component on the container and its
counterpart reader, such as electrical or optical contacts operable
to transmit a simple signal or complex information. Alternatively,
the data fixtures may be of a type that enables detection or
transfer of information at some distance, such as via radio
frequency or other electromagnetic means, optical barcode scanning,
machine vision, or the like. Thus, the data fixtures may be
passive, such as a reflective surface that returns a light source
when found in the expected location, or active, such as a
microprocessor located on the container, without departing from the
intended scope of the present invention.
[0075] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, suitable
technologies for data fixtures may comprise simple electrical means
including completion of a circuit; more complex electrical means
including electronic computer and memory devices; simple optical
means including reflective surfaces; advanced optical means
including barcode scanning and optical/laser information storage
and transmission; visual means including machine vision and
recognition; physical/mechanical means including means for
interpreting peaks, valleys, and/or holes in a physical medium;
chemical means including means for determining chemical reactivity
and/or composition of a material; material analysis means including
means for determining the charge of a substance or series thereof,
or means for determining the vibration and/or resonance of a
material; electromagnetic means such as radio frequency
identification and communication including RFID, Bluetooth, or
similar technology; and any other suitable technology that enables
detection or identification of a container. Data fixture techniques
may be applied to the entire container, a portion of the container,
one or more objects affixed to the container (either temporarily or
permanently), the packaging in which the container is delivered,
the contents of the container including the contained medication,
or the like.
[0076] It should be understood that the foregoing list of suitable
technologies is presented merely for purposes of example and not
limitation. Thus, the scope of the present invention is not limited
by the specific technologies referenced.
[0077] Moving next to block 122, the controller determines whether
the container data source is properly aligned. If the controller
determines that the reader is unable to detect a compatible signal
from or complete a circuit with its expected, corresponding data
fixture as indicated by block 124, then no data will be received by
the controller as indicated by block 126. Consequently, the
controller determines that the container is not of a type
compatible with the current treatment application and/or delivery
apparatus at block 116, and the container insertion is rejected.
Optionally, the user may be notified of the rejection at block 118
as discussed above. However, if the controller determines that the
reader is able to detect a compatible signal from or complete a
circuit with its expected, corresponding data fixture as indicated
by block 128, then the reader obtains the information provided by
the data fixture component as indicated by block 130 and relays the
information to the controller. The controller then analyzes this
information at block 132 to determine whether the container is of a
type compatible with the current treatment application and/or
delivery apparatus. This process is performed for all data fixtures
expected by the controller and supported by the receptacle sensor
set.
[0078] If, for any data fixture, the controller determines that the
container data does not support compatibility with the current
treatment application and/or delivery apparatus, insertion of the
container is rejected as indicated by block 116. Optionally, the
user may be notified of the rejection at block 118 as discussed
above. However, if for all data fixtures the controller ascertains
that the container data verifies its compatibility with the current
treatment application and/or delivery apparatus, the container
insertion is accepted as indicated by block 134. At this point,
treatment using the contents of the medication container may
proceed.
[0079] Although several exemplary steps were described with
reference to the differentiation procedure 100, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the order and number of steps may be
modified without departing from the intended scope of the present
invention. Thus, the exemplary steps were provided merely for
purposes of example and not limitation.
[0080] Additionally, although the differentiation procedure 100 was
described as including three "levels" of
differentiation/identification based upon physical compatibility
(e.g. block 106), information provided by geometry sensors (e.g.
block 114), and information provided by data fixtures (e.g. block
122), providing all three levels of differentiation/identification
is not necessary. Thus, any procedure that incorporates one or more
of the foregoing compatibility checks (in any combination) is
within the intended scope of the present invention. For example,
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative delivery apparatus
90 that is operable to differentiate/identify a syringe 92 based
solely upon information provided by geometry sensors and/or data
fixtures. Thus, unlike the various embodiments of the syringe 30
previously described, the syringe 92 does not include a geometric
mating member for mating engagement with a geometric mating
receptacle. In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that
the present invention encompasses the differentiation of medication
containers with or without the use of physical geometrical
differences in container geometry.
[0081] FIG. 14 is a condensed version of the flow diagram of FIG.
12 illustrating several exemplary steps in the medication container
differentiation procedure 100 and identifying the three levels of
differentiation/identification discussed above.
[0082] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components
of the controller 14. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the controller 14
may include memory 200, a secondary storage device 202, a processor
204, a human interface device 206, a display device 208, and an
output device 210. Memory 200 may include random access memory
(RAM) or similar types of memory, and it may store one or more
applications 212, including system software 214 and a web server
216, for execution by the processor 204. The secondary storage
device 202 may include a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM
drive, or other suitable type of non-volatile data storage.
[0083] Information regarding medication containers may be stored in
memory 200 or the secondary storage device 202. The processor 204
may execute the system software 214 and other applications 212
stored in memory 200 or the secondary storage device 202, or
alternatively received from the Internet or other network as will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The processor 204 may
execute the system software 214 in order to provide the functions
described in this specification including determining whether the
container geometry is precisely correct based upon information from
geometry sensors, determining whether container data fixture
components are properly aligned to the corresponding readers, and
verifying that the container contents are correct based upon
information from the data fixtures. The human interface device 206
may include any device for entering information into the controller
14 including, but not limited to, a keyboard (such as the keyboard
52 of FIG. 3), mouse, cursor-control device, touch-screen,
infrared, microphone, digital camera, video recorder, or any other
suitable instrument or device. The display device 208 (such as the
display 54 of FIG. 3) may include any type of device for presenting
visual information such as, for example, a computer monitor or
flat-screen display. The output device 210 may include any type of
device for presenting information to a user, such as audo speakers
or a printer.
[0084] The web server 216 may be used to provide access to
information that is stored in memory 200 and/or on the secondary
storage device 202, as well as to display such information
remotely. The web server 216 allows users secure remote access to
the system through which they can perform functions such as
registering or programming rules for differentiating between
medication containers, monitoring delivery of the appropriate
medication to a patient, and the like. As appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the web server 216 may allow access to a user
running a web browser. Examples of web browsers include the
Netscape Navigator program and the Microsoft Internet Explorer
program. However, any web browser, co-browser, or other application
capable of retrieving content from a network and displaying pages
or screens may be used.
[0085] Examples of controllers 14 for interacting within the
syringe differentiation system may include personal computers,
laptop computers, notebook computers, palm top computers, network
computers, Internet appliances, or any processor-controlled device
capable of executing a web browser 216, system software 214, and
any other type of application 212 stored in memory 200 and/or
accessible via the secondary storage device 202. The controller 14
may be either integrated into or provided separate from the
medication delivery apparatus as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art.
[0086] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *